KARACHI, April 30: Activists belonging to several non-government organisations have come forward in condemning the continuous attacks on secular parties.

Extending solidarity with the parties contesting the upcoming elections, especially those under attack by the Taliban, Women Action Forum (WAF) urged the government to provide long-term support to the affected families by ensuring free education and healthcare to them.

“This is a challenge to all peace-loving Pakistan by the Taliban and we must send a clear message to them that no amount of barbaric attitude and action will deter us from our right to peaceful existence.

“WAF recognises the difficult situation that confronts the government and the Election Commission of Pakistan [ECP]. We are confident that both institutions will meet the expectations of all committed to democratic requirements and processes.

“WAF urges all political parties to be strategic in arranging their election meetings which must be supported by the police and Rangers. The Army, too, must extend security where needed and not be aligned to any political party of group.

“Ban on the display of arms must be strictly implemented and anybody found contravening the ban must be placed in remand for a month.

“ECP should ensure the participation of the Ahmedi community and remove their reservations,” the NGO said through a notification issued on Tuesday.

They also urged the registered voters to come out and vote.

In their message, the Aurat Publication and Information Service Foundation said that “Aurat Foundation believes in democracy and elections play an important role in enhancing the democratic process. An enabling environment for the elections is equally essential for the elections to be free and fair.

“We see this violence and terrorist attacks as major impediment to free and fair elections, particularly for women and the elderly.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Sindh, showed concern over the failure of intelligence agencies in preempting the attacks.

“The failure also reflects on the performance of the interim government as well as the ECP,” the PMA said.